First same-sex couple married in Maine

PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- At 12:01 Saturday morning, same sex couples were allowed to get married in Maine. By 12:20am, Steven Bridges and Michael Snell of Portland became the first gay couple to tie the knot.

Bridges and Snell say they decided on Christmas to get married on Saturday. The only people they told ahead of time were Michael's two daughters, Carolyn and Katie, who served as their witnesses. They also didn't intend to be the first couple in Maine to be married, but they ended up being first in line at Portland City Hall.

A huge crowd was outside Portland City Hall to greet the happy couple as they left. A group of muscians led everyone in a rendition of the song, "All you Need is Love," by the Beatles.

Doors at the City Hall closed at 3am on Saturday. 15 marriage licenses were issued, and 7 couples tied the knot on the spot. The next opportunity for same-sex couples to get married at City Hall in Portland is December 31.

Bangor, Brewer, Brunswick, and Augusta opened their doors later in the morning on December 29, to join the state of Maine in issuing marriage licenses to same sex couples.